Paramhansa Yogananda’s Hong-Sau technique for Concentration
The purpose of the Hong-Sau technique is to help you free your attention from outwardness and to withdraw it from the senses, for breath is the cord that keeps the soul tied to the senses. Man, lives in an atmosphere of air, which he requires even as a fish requires water.
By dispassionately watching the breath coming in and out, one’s breathing naturally slows, calming at last the peace-disturbing activity of the heart, lungs and diaphragm.
Remember, that the heart pumps many tons of blood a day. It gets no rest even at night, when most of the other organs have a chance to suspend their activity at least partially.
The basic mantra, Hong and Sau are Sanskrit words derived from Aham saha (I am—He) and has a mantric power. Using this technique, even the heart can reach a point of relaxation.
Initially concentrate the breath on the body, the physical movement of the breath, then to the breath itself at the nostrils and then at the point between the eyebrows.
As the breath deepens become aware of the upward and downward movement of energy
and allow for the same emphasis on both the upward and downward movements of the breath. When inhalation and exhalation are equal in duration, there is inner equanimity.
ABOVE ALL
breath naturally, do not force the breath. You mentally chant/articulate Hong on the inhale and Sau on the exhale. Your right-hand index finger with the palm facing upwards on your right leg, gently moves this finger inwards towards your palm–without effort– and back to its natural open hand position, in time with the in and out breath.
By watching the breath, breathing becomes rhythmic and calm. A calm mind and breath quiet the motion of the heart, diaphragm and lungs. Closing your eyes focuses you inwards.
Yogananda gives a much deeper meaning to this breath when done for long periods and for those of you who are interested in those further benefits I would recommend his booklet:
“How to Awaken your True Potential.” Crystal Clarity Publishers.
Namasté
Marjolein
Other Articles
Other
Beehives
In not a too distance past before the development of the sprawling cities and metropoles people were part of the journey through the seasons and their particular challenges, especially those people who were dependent on their land for daily sustenance. Many of...
Prana: The Vital Energy
Individual and cosmic pranaIn most of the yogic texts, the term prana is associated with the lifeforce or bioenergy. Many people even use the word prana for oxygen, confusing it with the subdivision of prana vayu, which regulates the heart and the lungs.But when we...
How Energy Influences Matter
The Earth is a magnet. Your body is also a magnet. Ancient cultures, especially Asian cultures, have known this for thousands of years. Your north pole is your mind and brain, and your south pole is your body at the base of your spine.When there is a flow of energy...
Give me a call or email me to enquire about space, fees
or any other details or to arrange a trial class.
Phone
(021) 671 4068
Follow Us
marjogamble@gmail.com
Address
18 Mathew Road, Claremont
(Harfield Village), Cape Town